Barathea, sometimes spelledbarrathea,[1] is a softfabric, with a brokentwillweft rib, giving a surface that is lightly pebbled or ribbed, with the effect of a twill running both left and right. Originally developed as a cloth formourning clothes in the 1840s, it took several decades to become popular for other purposes, due to its association with bereavement.[2]
The yarns used are various combinations ofwool,silk andcotton.Worsted barathea (made with a smooth wool yarn) is often used for eveningcoats,[3] such asdress coats,dinner jackets, andmilitary uniforms,[4] in black and midnight blue. Silk barathea, either all silk, or using cottonweft and silkenwarp, is widely used in thenecktie industry.[1]
Barathea.